Whether it’s the end of the beginning, or the beginning of the end, it’s a decisive moment in the post-Brexit era. Optimistically, it’s a turning point. For the first time in years there are positive glimmers between the EU and UK.
Viewed realistically, it’s baby steps stumbling forward from a low base. Starmer is sticking to his oft-repeated red lines: no Customs Union, Single Market or EU membership.
Restoring factory settings
Here’s a summary of measures agreed for future collaboration, including on steel, emissions trading, agri-food, defence and airport E-gates. While welcome, they won’t supercharge the growth the Chancellor wants.
Aligning on Sanitary & Phytosanitary standards could help farmers like Tim Chambers, who had to let strawberries rot in fields last summer, due to export delays over the Channel.
There was much hoo-ha about ‘betraying’ the fishing industry by extending the Conservatives’ four-year deal on EU fishing quotas by 12 years.
On the other hand, British fish will be sold to the EU more easily. Achieving smoother trade will always lead to sacrificing some intangible element of ‘sovereignty’ – the eternal trade-off.
Next year
Two areas: easing touring for performers and artists, and mutual recognition of qualifications were in Labour’s 2024 manifesto, so should at least be on 2026’s summit agenda.
However, much will take months to finalise and be passed by all member states, so it’s not a quick fix. Will any Brit pass through E-gates this summer holiday? Uncertain.
At least we can be fairly confident that the EU will follow through on their promises. Unlike the US, whose leader ‘vacillates’ on trading and security arrangements with many countries. Many politicians believe we should pivot back to the more trustworthy EU.
Mood change
Despite some ‘Brexit betrayed!’ press headlines, polling shows that 66% of people now want a closer relationship, whereas only 14% of people don’t.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council António Costa, seem enthusiastic and receptive to more co-operation.
So is cautious Starmer gauging the current mood correctly? Let’s compare the leaders’ summit speeches. Some extracts:
António Costa
“Prime Minister … your ambition to reset the relationship … we have all succeeded … we have worked tirelessly to rebuild trust … like-minded partners – natural allies like us …These agreements represent more than just words on paper. They are a reflection of our shared commitments … shared values, mutual interests … we are neighbours, allies, partners. And we are friends … Prime Minister, dear Keir, from now on the EU and UK will meet every year. So, see you in Brussels!”
Ursula von der Leyen
“My dear Keir … this is the story of historical and natural partners standing side by side on the global stage … I am thinking back of my times as a student here in London … I know that the first place you go abroad as a young person leaves an impression for life. You fall in love with the city and the country. Dear Keir, the message we are sending to the world today … at a time of global instability – and when our continent faces the greatest threats … we in Europe stick together … So, thank you for hosting us … a great summit.”
Keir Starmer
“Ladies and gentlemen – Britain is back on the world stage … Doing deals that will grow our economy … with India and US … [The EU deal] gives us unprecedented access to the EU market – the best of any country outside the EU or EFTA. All while sticking to our red lines … boost British exporters …good for British steel … help British holidaymakers … real benefits for the British people … facing out to the world once again in the great tradition of this nation … closing deals in the national interest.”
Difference in tone
Starmer is mainly addressing UK citizens and media, while von der Leyen and Costa address him. Starmer describes benefits for the UK economy and people, while the others talk about the enhanced partnership and European unity, shared values and trust.
Of course, there’s much politicking and diplomacy going on, but it seems as if, in desperation to score points and shore up support domestically, Starmer neglects to emphasise the European unity and co-operation aspect. He even talks of Britain “leading the way internationally”. Exceptionalism again?
Zero sum game
But is this really all some Brits and our ‘popular’ media see in an EU partnership? Getting trade benefits, not partnering with and contributing to something greater?
The agreement crucially promises to deepen security and defence co-operation, but all some commentators could shout was “Fishermen shafted!”
This was as far as Starmer dared go, meaning that progress will be slow and incremental.
Our shared values and security pacts with Europe may eventually lead to a different ‘special relationship’ than the one we believed we had. A swift referendum, though likely to reverse Brexit, wouldn’t be sustainable (or trusted by the EU) if it leaves too many voters entrenched in old biases.
So it’s baby steps for now, while the media and government catch up with changing attitudes.
